WKU News

Pushing boundaries means taking on new and progressively harder challenges, a regular occurrence for WKU senior Andrew Kaelin from Buckner, Kentucky. He is no stranger to hard work, with educators for parents and generations of college graduates before him and he had big aspirations coming into WKU. "As a freshman, I knew I wanted to take advantage of opportunities for growth. Each semester my goals got bigger." Trusting the advice given by his family and role models, he has an unconventional mix of majors and minors that he hopes will "forge a unique path" in his career.

Kaelin will graduate in May 2020 with a degree in Sports Management and a minor focus in Finance, Economics and Applied Data Analytics. After spending four years with his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, being a member of both Omicron Delta Kappa and the Order of Omega, Kaelin kept busy during his time at WKU. He also served as a student-athlete tutor and an ambassador for the College of Health and Human Services. "[All of these opportunities] have shaped my success as a student immensely, have shaped my growth as a person, and I believe will jump-start my career." Outside of his many organizational ties, Kaelin has been involved in several research, leadership and investment competitions that have built a strong networking base.

Putting his passion for others to work, Kaelin takes his experiences at WKU and pays it forward to other students within his program by helping them improve their professional network. As the president of the Sport Management Club, he worked with other members to organize a career fair last fall, where over a hundred students were able to connect with local sports organizations and discuss internship/job opportunities.

Like most college students, Kaelin encountered all kinds of new challenges that forced him to broaden his horizons. He interned with several organizations such as the WKU Herald, WKU Athletics, the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Upstream Logistics, and believes his experiences helped break him out of his comfort zone and think creatively to complete his tasks effectively. "Everyone [at WKU] wants to see you become the best version of yourself. Sometimes that means going a little beyond what is easy and comfortable."

To continue this trend of upward growth, Kaelin plans to continue practicing the things that got him to this point, making small goals and keeping a steady mindset, attitude and work ethic are his cornerstones for success.

As he steps into his final semester at WKU, Kaelin plans to spend time at some of his favorite spots on campus to soak in as much WKU spirit as he can to carry with him after graduation. "The dictionary defines spirit as 'qualities regarded to define elements in the character of a person'. The qualities of WKU that define our character are diversity, passion, vision, and sense of community. That spirit is the driving force behind the success of every student, staff and faculty member and is what makes WKU so great!"

After graduation, Kaelin hopes to stick close to the Bowling Green area where he can put his passions and skills to work with a sports team that shares his need for continuous growth.

For more information on the Sports Management Program at WKU, visit https://www.wku.edu/sportmanagement/.